The impact of COVID-19 on intermodal freight transport: An ex-ante and ex-post analysis

Abstract

It is well known that one of the most efficient ways of moving goods is the combination of two freight transport systems, rail and road. The purpose of this study is to evaluate factors that affect the competitiveness of intermodal rail-road transport (IRRT). Previous research has focused on the definition of a multi-criteria framework to identify and prioritize the determining factors. However, the assessments have been done before the coronavirus pandemic, but after the quarantine and post-quarantine period of the virus, the prioritization of these criteria has definitely changed in the view of experts and customers. The appearance of a drastic change in some of the influencing factors during this period, e.g. political decisions that affect regulation and operations, as well as changes in technology and the use of infrastructure, have make it necessary to reevaluate the IRRT. In order to carry out this evaluation, a combination of two methods has been performed: (i) Laboratory-based hierarchical structure to test and evaluate the gray decision (gray- DEMATEL), and (ii) Network Analysis Process (ANP) to carry out the evaluation of the IRRT system in Spain. As a result of this work, an ex- ante and ex- post analysis of the evaluation of the criteria is shown, with respect to the evaluations made by decision makers during the post-pandemic. This work shows how the importance and necessity of the criteria have changed as the world has changed due to Covid-19, and what factors have changed the priorities of customers, experts and operators based on the current situation. This research also provides theoretical and managerial insights for policy makers and researchers in this field.